Full-Face Helmet System

ABSTRACT

The full-face helmet system comprises a full-facemask that combines the strength of a facemask frame and a reinforcement layer to allow for improved visibility, safety and impact performance, while reducing weight. The full-facemask comprises a reinforcement layer and a facemask frame, the reinforcement layer may be coupled to the external surface or internal surface of a facemask frame. The reinforcement layer may match or substantially match one or more contours of the facemask frame, the reinforcement layer comprises at least one vent opening that is coincident with the player&#39;s mouth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/981,701 entitled “Full Face Facemask,” filed Feb. 26, 2020, thedisclosure of which are incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to methods, devices, and systems for animproved helmet system with a full-face facemask. More specifically, theimproved helmet system includes a full-face facemask to improvevisibility and weight, but maintain impact performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional football helmets have manufactured facemasks with aplurality of metal bars to protect a player's face. The facemaskprovides a way to protect the face while allowing for limitedvisibility. Unfortunately, the more protection a player would like(e.g., increased number of bars), the more the player's visibility isreduced and the heavier it becomes. Also, the plurality of bars providesother players the ease of grabbing the facemask or otherwise restraininga player by grabbing the face mask, which is illegal due to the risk ofinjury.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved helmet system comprises a full-facemask that combines thestrength of a facemask with a reduced number of metal bars and apolymer-based cover to allow for improved visibility, safety and reducedweight, as well as potentially reduce the players from grabbing onto thefacemask to cause injury. The polymer-based cover or reinforcement layermay be disposed over the facemask frame for support and enhance impactperformance.

In one embodiment, the full-face facemask comprising: a facemask frame,the facemask frame comprising an external surface and an internalsurface, the facemask frame comprising an upper bar and a lower bar; anda reinforcement layer, a portion of the reinforcement layer coupled tothe external surface or internal surface of the facemask frame. At leasta portion of the reinforcement layer matches or substantially matchesthe shape of the facemask frame. The reinforcement layer comprises aclear or transparent plastic material. The reinforcement layer comprisesat least one vent opening, the at least one vent opening coincident witha player's mouth. The at least one vent opening may include a singleopening or a plurality of openings coincident with a player's mouth. Thereinforcement layer further comprises a plurality of perforationsdisposed adjacent to the vent opening. the facemask frame furthercomprises a middle bar. The facemask frame further comprises one or morevertical bars that extend between the middle bar and the lower bar. Thefacemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extendbetween the upper bar and middle bar.

In another embodiment, the full-face helmet system comprising: a helmet,the helmet comprises an outer shell; a facemask frame, the facemaskframe comprising an external surface and an internal surface, thefacemask frame comprising an upper bar and a lower bar; and areinforcement layer, the reinforcement layer coupled to the externalsurface or internal surface of the facemask frame, at least a portion ofthe reinforcement layer substantially matches the shape of the facemaskframe. The helmet further comprises an impact mitigation layer, theimpact mitigation layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer shell.The helmet further comprises an inner shell and an impact mitigationlayer, the impact mitigation layer disposed between the outer shell andinner shell. The helmet further comprises a stabilizer pad system, thestabilizer pad system coupled to the outer shell. At least a portion ofthe facemask frame is coupled to the stabilizer pad system. Thereinforcement layer comprises a clear or transparent plastic material.The at least one vent opening comprises a plurality of openings. Thereinforcement layer further comprises a plurality of openings adjacentto the at least one vent opening. The facemask frame further comprises amiddle bar. The facemask frame further comprises one or more verticalbars that extend between the middle bar and the lower bar. The facemaskframe further comprises one or more vertical bars that extend betweenthe upper bar and middle bar. The least a portion of the facemask frameprotrudes into the at least one vent opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a side view of one embodiment of a Full-Face HelmetSystem;

FIG. 1B depict a side view of one embodiment of a Full-Face HelmetSystem;

FIGS. 2A-2C depict isometric and magnified views of an alternateembodiment of a Full-Face Helmet;

FIGS. 3A-3E depict front views of different embodiments of facemasks;

FIGS. 4A-4C depict various views of one embodiment of a helmet;

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a helmet;

FIGS. 6A-6B depicts a cross-section of one embodiment of a helmetcomprising filaments undergoing local deformation;

FIGS. 7A-7B depicts a magnified cross-section of the helmet of FIGS.6A-6B; and

FIGS. 8A-8C depicts isometric views of alternate embodiments oflaterally supported filaments (LSF) structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2C depicts side views of different embodiments of aFull-Face Helmet System 10,30,32. The full-face helmet system 10,30,32comprises a helmet 12,78, a reinforcement layer 14, a facemask orfacemask frame 16. The helmet 12,78 comprises an outer shell. The helmet12,78 further comprises an impact mitigation layer, the impactmitigation layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer shell. Thehelmet 12,78 further comprises an inner shell and an impact mitigationlayer, the impact mitigation layer disposed between the outer shell andinner shell. The helmet 12,78 further comprises a stabilizer pad system,the stabilizer pad system coupled to the outer shell. The helmet 12,78comprises a front region, a right region, a left region, a crown region,a back region, and/or any combination thereof. Refer to FIGS. 4A-4C forfurther helmet details.

The facemask frame 16 comprising an external surface and an internalsurface, the facemask frame 16 further comprising an upper bar 28 and alower bar 29. The upper bar 28 including a first raised section, asecond raised section and a central section, the central section betweena first and second raised section. Each of the plurality of raisedsections are raised relative to the central section. The facemask frame16 further comprises a middle bar 31, the middle bar 31 disposed betweenthe upper bar 28 and the lower bar 29. The facemask frame 16 furthercomprises one or more vertical bars 25 that extend between the middlebar 31 and the lower bar 29. The least a portion of the facemask frame16 protrudes into the at least one vent opening 18. The lower bar 29and/or middle bar 31 is horizontal or substantially horizontal. At leasta portion of the facemask frame 16 is coupled to the stabilizer padsystem via a facemask connector 38. Alternatively, the facemask frame 16may be coupled to the outer shell via a facemask connector 38. Thedifferent configurations of facemasks or facemask frames shown in FIGS.3A-3E.

The reinforcement layer 14 comprises a material, the material is a clearor transparent plastic material. The material may comprise a uniformthickness or a non-uniform thickness. The thickness of the material maybe based on the position-specific player's needs. The material mayfurther comprise a coating, the coating may include an anti-reflectivecoating, a polarized coating, a scratch resistant coating, an anti-fogcoating, an anti-microbial or anti-viral coating, an ultraviolet (UV)protection coating, a photochromic coating, a tinted coating, a mirrorcoating, a prescriptive coating or material and/or any combinationthereof.

The reinforcement layer 14 is coupled to the external surface of thefacemask frame 16 and/or the reinforcement layer 14 is disposed over thefacemask frame 16, which a portion of the internal surface of thereinforcement layer 14 contacts a portion of the external surface of thefacemask frame 16. Alternatively, the reinforcement layer 14 is coupledto the internal surface of the facemask frame 16, and/or the facemaskframe 16 is disposed over the reinforcement layer 14, which the internalsurface of the facemask frame 16 contacts a portion of the outer surfaceof the reinforcement layer 14. Coupling to the different points on theinternal surface or the external surface of the facemask frame 16 allowsthe facemask frame 16 to support the reinforcement layer 14 in differentregions to reduce or prevent the reinforcement layer from deformingtowards the player's face and/or it further provides better distributionof the impact forces across the facemask frame 16. At least a portion ofthe reinforcement layer 14 substantially matches the shape of thefacemask frame 16. Alternatively, at least a portion of thereinforcement layer 14 substantially matches one or more contours of thefacemask frame 16. In another embodiment, the reinforcement layer 14 maybe over molded to the external surface or the internal surface of thefacemask frame 16.

The reinforcement layer 14 comprises a body 22, a first plurality ofconnecting members 26 and a second plurality of connecting members 27.Each of the first or second plurality of connecting members 26,27located or disposed on the right and left regions of the helmet 12and/or body 22. The first plurality of connecting members 26 extendingoutwardly from the body 22, the plurality of connecting members 26couple to or attach to a portion of the outer shell of the helmet10,30,32. Each of the first plurality of connecting members 26 extendingoutwardly to couple to or attach to the vent openings 15 or within thevent openings 15 on the outer shell of the helmet 10,30,32. The secondplurality of connecting members 27 may couple or attach to the outershell and/or may couple or attach to the stabilizer pad system (notshown). The first and/or the second plurality of connecting members 27may comprise one or more openings, the one or more openings sized andconfigured to receive a mechanical connector. The mechanical connectormay comprise a screw, a rivet, a dowel pin, and/or any connectors knownin the art.

The reinforcement layer 14 or the body 22 comprises at least one ventopening 18. The at least one vent opening 18 comprises a plurality ofopenings (not shown) or a single vent opening. The at least one ventopening 18 comprises a shape, the shape includes a circle, an oval, aregular polygon and/or an irregular polygon. The shape may furtherinclude a “U” shape, “D” shape, a hemispherical shape, or an arch shape.The reinforcement layer 14 further comprises a plurality of openings 20adjacent to the at least one vent opening 18. The plurality of openings20 including a width smaller than the at least one vent opening width.The at least one vent opening 18 may be coincident or aligned with aplayer's mouth. Alternatively, the at least one vent opening 18 may bein front of the player's mouth. At least a portion of the facemask frame16 protrudes or extends into or through the at least one vent opening18. The top portion of the body 22 of the reinforcement layer 14 may becoupled to the front bumper 34 located in the front region of the helmet10,30,32. Mechanical connectors may be inserted into the one or moreopenings 40 of the reinforcement layer 14 disposed at the top region ofthe reinforcement layer 14 or the body 22.

Accordingly, the bottom portion of the body 22 of the reinforcementlayer 14 may be coupled using one or more bumper connectors 36. The oneor more bumper connectors 36 comprises a first portion and a secondportion. The first portion comprises longitudinal members 42, thelongitudinal members 42 extending perpendicularly or normal from thefirst portion. The longitudinal members 42 being inserted into aplurality of holes 44 on the reinforcement layer 14 and connected tosecond portion of the one or more bumper connectors 36. The one or morebumper connectors 36 may comprise a plastic, foam, an elastomeric foam,rubber, and/or any material that facilitates the absorption of impactsand/or vibrations.

The reinforcement layer 14 may further comprise one or more ribs (notshown). The one or more ribs are disposed onto the external surface orinternal surface of the reinforcement layer. The one or more ribs extendaway from the external or internal surface of the reinforcement layer.Alternatively, the one or more ribs extend perpendicularly orsubstantially perpendicular from the external or internal surface of thereinforcement layer 14. The one or more ribs having a length and awidth. The one or more ribs may have a horizontal orientation or avertical orientation. In one embodiment, If the one or more ribs are ina vertical orientation, the one or more ribs sized and configured to fitwithin the entirety of the spacing of the one or more vertical bars62,70 and/or at least a portion of the spacing of the one or morevertical bars 62,70. The one or more ribs may have a horizontalorientation or a vertical orientation.

FIGS. 3A-3E depicts various embodiments of facemasks or facemask frames,46, 66, 72, 74, 76 that may be used with the full-face helmet system orfull-face facemask. The facemasks or facemask frames 46,66,72,74,76comprise a top portion 48, a middle portion 50 and a lower portion 52.The top portion 48 may be coupled to the helmet. The middle portion 50includes the field of view for the player. The lower portion 52 includesdifferent bar configurations to protect the nose, and lower half of theface of the player.

The facemasks or facemask frames 46, 66, 72, 74, 76 comprises an upperbar 54 and a lower bar 60. The facemask or facemask frames 46,66, 72,7476 may further comprise a middle bar 58. The upper bar 54 includes afirst raised section, a second raised section and a central section, thecentral section between a first and second raised section. Each of theplurality of raised sections are raised relative to the central section.The facemasks or facemask frames 46, 66, 72, 74, 76 further includes afirst intermediate bars 56 and a second intermediate bar 68. The firstintermediate bar 56 is spaced apart from the upper bar 54 to create aspace or an opening. The first intermediate bar 56 is horizontal orsubstantially horizontal. One or more connecting elements 64 may bedisposed within the space or opening below the central section to couplethe upper bar 54 to the intermediate bar 56. Alternatively, the firstintermediate bar 56 and the second intermediate bar 68 can be disposedbetween the upper bar 54 and the middle bar 58.

The facemasks or facemask frames 46,66,72,74,76 may further one or morevertical bars 62,70. The one or more vertical bars 62,70 may extendbetween the first intermediate bar 56 and the middle bar 58. The one ormore vertical bars 62,70 may extend between the middle bar 58 and thelower bar 60. The one or more vertical bars 62,70 may extend between thefirst intermediate bar 56 and middle bar 58 and extend between themiddle bar 58 and the lower bar 60. Each of the one or more verticalbars 62,70 are spaced apart from the adjacent one or more vertical bars62,70 to create a space. The one or more vertical bars 62,70 that extendbetween the first intermediate bar 56 and the middle bar 58 are offsetor are not aligned with the one or more vertical bars 62,70 that extendbetween the middle bar 58 and the lower bar 60.

FIGS. 4A-4B depicts various views of one embodiment of a helmet 78. Thehelmet 78 comprises a front region, a right region, a left region, acrown region, a back region, and/or any combination thereof. The helmet78 comprises an outer shell 86. The helmet 78 further comprises animpact mitigation layer 94, the impact mitigation layer 94 coupled to aninner surface of the outer shell 86. The helmet 78 further comprises aninner shell 96, the impact mitigation layer 94 disposed between theouter shell 86 and inner shell 96. The helmet 78 further comprises aremovable stabilizer pad system 88, the stabilizer pad system 88 coupledto the right and left regions of the outer shell 86. The helmet 78 mayfurther comprise a plurality of pad assemblies that are attached orcoupled to an inner surface of the helmet 78 and/or an inner surface ofthe inner shell 96. The plurality of pad assemblies comprises at least aportion of a surface that contacts the player's head. The helmet 78 mayfurther comprise different accessories, including a visor, chincups withstraps and different facemask or facemask frame configurations.

The outer shell 86 is constructed from a flexible plastic material thatdesirably permits significant local deformation 106 when impacted with asufficient external force as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B. The outer shell86 comprises a generally spherically shaped body with complex contourson an upper portion thereof, which defines a pair of medial 80 andlateral 82 raised bands that extend from the front region towards theback region of the outer shell 86 with a centrally positioned recessedband between the medial 80 and lateral 82 raised bands. The outer shell86 further includes a plurality of vent holes 84,90 (i.e., perforationsin the outer shell which allow gases to pass through the shell body),and an ear hole on each side of the outer shell 86 to allow soundtransmission to the wearer's ears. Accordingly, the outer shell 86includes a raised side band 92 that extends from the edge of the outershell 86 towards the back region. The outer shell 86 includes a raisedside band 92 that extends from the edge of the outer shell 86 in anupwardly direction towards the back region.

The impact mitigation layer 94 comprises a plurality of deformablestructures positioned inside of and mechanically fastened to innersurface of the outer shell 78, which prevents relative movement betweenthe impact mitigation layer 94 and the outer shell 86. The impactmitigation layer 94 comprises a plurality of impact mitigatingstructures, the plurality of impact structures comprises at least one ofa plurality of filaments (not shown), a plurality of laterally supportedfilaments (LSFs) (not shown), a plurality of undulated structures (notshown) and/or a foam layer (not shown).

In one embodiment, the impact mitigating structures can comprise aplurality of filaments 102 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A-7B. Theplurality of filaments 102 may be thin, longitudinally extending membersor be shaped and configured to deform non-linearly in response to animpact force. The plurality of filaments 102 may comprise an aspectratio of 3:1 or greater, which the height is greater than the width. Thenon-linear deformation behavior is expected to provide improvedprotection against high-impact forces, and/or oblique forces. Thenon-linear deformation behavior is described by the filamentsstress-strain profile. The non-linear stress-strain profile illustratesthat there can be an initial rapid increase in force (region I) followedby a change in slope that may be flat, decreasing or increasing slope(region II), followed by a third region with a different slope (regionIII).

The filaments undergo a buckling response 104 to an incident force,where buckling 104 may be characterized by a localized, sudden failureof the filament structure subjected to high compressive stress, wherethe actual compressive stress at the point of failure is less than theultimate compressive stress that the material is capable ofwithstanding. Furthermore, the plurality of filaments 102 may beconfigured to deform elastically, allowing the at least a portion of thefilaments 102 to substantially return to their initial configurationonce the external force is removed. The at least a portion of filaments102 may extend between two surfaces, the at least a portion of filamentshaving at least one end coupled to the outer layer and/or the innerlayer. The plurality of filaments 102 may include be solid or hollow.

In another embodiment, the impact mitigating structures can comprise aplurality of laterally supported filaments (LSF) structures 108,110,112as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. The LSF structures 108,110,112 comprise aplurality of filaments 102 that are interconnected by laterallypositioned walls or sheets 114 in a polygonal configuration. Polygonalstructures and/or configurations known in the art may be contemplated,including triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal,octagonal, and/or any combination thereof. A plurality of sheets orlateral walls 114 can be secured between adjacent pairs of filaments 102with each filament 102 having a pair of lateral walls 114 attachedthereto. Alternatively, each of the plurality of filaments 102 maycomprise a lateral wall 114 extending outwardly therefrom to at leastone adjacent filament 102. In the disclosed embodiment, the lateralwalls 114 can be oriented approximately 120 degrees apart about thefilament axis, with each lateral wall 114 extending substantially alongthe longitudinal length of the filament 114. The plurality of LSFstructures 108,110,112 can be arranged in one or more rows or in anarray, each of the one or more rows may be aligned or offset. The impactmitigation structures may comprise a plurality of LSF structures108,110,112 and a base layer, the plurality of LSF structures108,110,112 disposed on the base layer and spaced apart. The impactmitigation structures may comprise a plurality of LSF structures108,110,112, a first base layer and a second base layer, the pluralityof LSF structures 108,110,112 spaced apart and extend between the firstand second base layer.

Accordingly, the orientation of the lateral walls 114 may be asymmetric,which at least one lateral wall 114 may be oriented approximately 75 to135 degrees apart about the filament 102 axis. The shape, wall thicknessor diameter, height, and configuration of the lateral walls 114 and/orfilaments 102 may vary to “tune” or “tailor” the structures to a desiredperformance. For example, one embodiment of a polygonal LSF structure108,110,112 may have a tapered configuration as shown in FIG. 8A. Thepolygonal LSF structure 108,110,112 can have a top surface and a bottomsurface, with the bottom surface perimeter (and/or bottom surfacethickness/diameter of the individual elements) that may be larger thanthe corresponding top surface perimeter (and/or individual elementthickness/diameter). In another example, the polygonal LSF structure108,110,112 can have an upper ridge or upper plate 116. The upper plate116 is planar and extends across to the adjacent filament 102. The upperplate 116 contacts at least one end of the plurality of filaments 102and/or each of the plurality of filaments 102. The upper plate 116 mayfurther comprise an opening. The upper plate 116 may comprise a solidmaterial or hollow material. The upper plate 116 can also facilitateconnection to another structure, such as an inner surface of a helmet,an item of protective clothing, and/or a mechanical connection (e.g., agrommet or plug having an enlarged tip that is desirably slightly largerthan the opening in the upper ridge of the polygonal element).

In another embodiment, the impact mitigation layer may further compriseat least one foam layer or a portion of a foam layer (not shown). The atleast one foam layer can include polymeric foams, quantum foam,polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam (foam rubber), XPS foam,polystyrene, phenolic, memory foam (traditional, open cell, or gel),impact absorbing foam (e.g., VN600),), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate foam(EVA), Ariaprene foam, latex rubber foam, convoluted foam (“egg createfoam”), Evlon foam, impact hardening foam, 4.0 Custula comfort foam(open cell low density foam) and/or any combination thereof. The atleast one foam layer may have an open-cell structure or closed-cellstructure. The at least one foam layer can be further tailored to obtainspecific characteristics, such as anti-static, breathable, conductive,hydrophilic, high-tensile, high-tear, controlled elongation, and/or anycombination thereof.

The helmet 78 further comprises an inner shell 96. The inner shell 96 isconstructed from a rigid or relatively rigid plastic material. The innershell 96 that is more rigid than the outer shell 86 material. The innershell 96 is also mechanically secured to various portions of the impactmitigation layer to prevent relative movement between the inner shell 96and the impact mitigation layer 94. The inner shell 96 further comprisesa plurality of openings, into which various attachment assemblies of theplurality of pad assemblies are securely attached.

The helmet 78 further comprises a plurality of pod assemblies that areremovably coupled to the inner surface of the inner shell 96. Theplurality of pod assemblies includes multi-layered foams (e.g., animpact foam layer and a comfort foam layer) that sizes the helmet 78 tothe wearer's head and also provides additional impact protection andcomfort. The plurality of pod assemblies comprises a first materiallayer, a second material layer, one or more foam layers and a connectionmechanism. The first material layer and/or the second material layer maycomprise a 2-way stretch material, a 4-way stretch material, and/or afoam layer. Additionally, the first material layer and/or the secondmaterial layer may further comprise a polymeric material, such aspolypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, PVC, PTFE, and/or anycombination thereof. Furthermore, the first material and/or the secondmaterial layer may be breathable and wick away moisture easily from theskin while carrying out various sporting and athletic activities. Thefirst material layer may be the same or different than the secondmaterial layer. The one or more foam layers are disposed between thefirst and second material layer. At least a portion of the connectionmechanism is disposed between the first and second material layer.

The one or more pad assemblies can be modular and removably coupled intoany configuration within the helmet 78. Each of the one or more podassemblies may be positioned proximate to an adjacent to the one or morepad assemblies, such that the perimeter of each of the one or more padassemblies may be parallel to the adjacent one or more pod assemblies.The plurality of liner pad assemblies may include regions such as one ormore of the following: a frontal assembly (or front), an occipitalassembly (or lower-back), a mid-back assembly (right and/or left sides),a parietal assembly (or midline), and a temporal assembly (right and/orleft sides), and/or any combination(s) thereof.

The plurality of pad assemblies can comprise a generally triangularshaped body with rounded corners (an isosceles triangle, for example),although a variety of other shapes, including other shaped triangles,squares, pentagons, hexagons, septagons and/or octagon shapes, could beutilized in a variety of embodiments. In a similar manner, alternativeshapes having rounded and/or sharp corners and/or edges may be utilized,as well as irregular and/or re-entrant shaped bodies, if desired. Theplurality of pad assemblies can be provided in a series of sizes and/orthicknesses, including a ¼″ thickness progressively up to 1″ or 1.25″ orgreater thickness. Desirably, the different thickness triangular podsbodies can be provided with similar external dimensions (i.e., heightand/or width), with only the thickness differing to any substantialdegree, allowing different thickness pods to be “mixed and matched” foruse with a single helmet liner or other component, and/or other item ofprotective clothing.

The helmet 78 further comprises a stabilizer system 88. The stabilizersystem 88 comprises at least two different pad assemblies that arepositioned on the right and left regions of outer shell 86. Thestabilizer system 88 includes a bridge pad assembly and a stabilizer padassembly. A bridge pad assembly is secured to an inner surface of theouter shell 86 adjacent to and below the ear hole on the right and leftsides, and a stabilizer pad assembly is secured to an inner surface ofthe outer shell 86 at locations forward of the ear hole. The stabilizerpad assemblies are available in different thicknesses−0.5 inch orgreater; 1.0 inch or greater; or 0.5 inch to 2 inches. Portions of thestabilizer pad assembly desirably project forwardly to protect variousregions of the wearer's skull, which can include portions of the zygoma(cheek bone), portions of the maxilla and portions of the mandible(e.g., the coronoid process, the condyle, and a portion of ramus) of thewearer. Each of the stabilizer pad assemblies are mounted to thestabilizer plates. Each stabilizer plate also includes a facemask mountwhich secures and couples to a lower attachment point on the facemask orfacemask frame. Each of the stabilizer pad assembly and the bridge padassembly comprises a plate and one or more foam layers, the one or morefoam layers coupled to the plate.

The helmet 78 may further comprise one or more facemask clip styles orfacemask bumper styles—a standard facemask clip and a quick releasefacemask clip. The standard facemask clip requires tooling for placementand removal. However, the quick release facemask clip requires limitedtooling for placement and easy, repeatable manual release. The helmet 78can further include a variety of accessories, including a visor and/or achincup/strap. The chincup can be a standard chincup that is known inthe art.

1. The full-face facemask comprising: a facemask frame, the facemaskframe comprising an external surface and an internal surface, thefacemask comprising an upper bar and a lower bar; and a reinforcementlayer, the reinforcement layer coupled to the external surface of thefacemask frame, at least a portion of the reinforcement layersubstantially matches the shape of the facemask frame, the reinforcementlayer comprises at least one vent opening coincident with a player'smouth.
 2. The full-face facemask of claim 1, wherein the reinforcementlayer comprises a clear or transparent plastic material.
 3. Thefull-face facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent openingcomprises a plurality of openings.
 4. The full-facemask of claim 3,wherein the reinforcement layer further comprises a plurality ofopenings disposed adjacent to the at least one vent opening.
 5. Thefull-facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent openingcomprises a plurality of perforations coincident with a player's mouth.6. The full-facemask of claim 1, wherein the facemask frame furthercomprises a middle bar.
 7. The full-facemask of claim 5, wherein thefacemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extendbetween the middle bar and the lower bar.
 8. The full-facemask of claim5, wherein the facemask frame further comprises one or more verticalbars that extend between the upper bar and middle bar.
 9. The full-facehelmet system comprising: a helmet, the helmet comprises an outer shell;a facemask frame, the facemask frame comprising an external surface andan internal surface, the facemask frame comprising an upper bar and alower bar; and a reinforcement layer, the reinforcement layer coupled tothe external surface or internal surface of the facemask frame, at leasta portion of the reinforcement layer substantially matches the shape ofthe facemask frame.
 10. The full-face helmet system of claim 9, whereinthe helmet further comprises an impact mitigation layer, the impactmitigation layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer shell.
 11. Thefull-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the helmet further comprisesan inner shell and an impact mitigation layer, the impact mitigationlayer disposed between the outer shell and inner shell.
 12. Thefull-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the helmet further comprisesa stabilizer pad system, the stabilizer pad system coupled to the outershell.
 13. The full-face helmet system of claim 12, wherein at least aportion of the facemask frame is coupled to the stabilizer pad system.14. The full-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcementlayer comprises a clear or transparent plastic material.
 15. Thefull-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the at least one ventopening comprises a plurality of openings.
 16. The full-face helmetsystem of claim 9, wherein the reinforcement layer further comprises aplurality of openings adjacent to the at least one vent opening.
 17. Thefull-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the facemask frame furthercomprises a middle bar.
 18. The full-face helmet of claim 9, wherein thefacemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extendbetween the middle bar and the lower bar.
 19. The full-face helmet ofclaim 9, wherein the facemask frame further comprises one or morevertical bars that extend between the upper bar and middle bar.
 20. Thefull-face helmet of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the facemaskframe protrudes into the at least one vent opening.